In a distinctive community and heritage atmosphere that aligns with the objectives of the Year of the Family, Abu Dhabi City Municipality organised the second edition of the Little Captain Festival at Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach. The festival 3000 engaged community members of all ages in activities that celebrated the authenticity of the UAE’s maritime heritage, raised awareness of the importance of preserving the nation’s cultural legacy, and reinforced the values of Emirati identity among younger generations.
The festival featured a wide range of workshops and activities designed to cater to different age groups. These were divided into heritage, educational, awareness, interactive, creative and environmental categories, ensuring a comprehensive programme that combined entertainment, education and community awareness.
Engineer Hussein Mohsen Alsaeedi, Acting Executive Director of the Sub-Municipal Operations Sector at Abu Dhabi City Municipality, stated that the organisation of the Second Little Captain Festival at Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach reflects the Municipality’s commitment to strengthening community engagement across its public facilities and supporting heritage events that reinforce national identity among younger generations. He noted that the festival aligns with the objectives of the Year of the Family by providing an interactive environment that brings families and children together in a safe, educational and recreational setting.
He added that the festival aims to introduce community members, particularly children and young people, to important aspects of the UAE’s maritime heritage, including the role of the captain, pearl diving and traditional fishing, while also promoting awareness of safety, sustainability and marine environmental protection. These efforts contribute to nurturing a generation that takes pride in its national heritage and remains committed to preserving it.
Heritage workshops included the "Little Captain" workshop, a pearl diving workshop and an introduction to the fishing profession, aimed at familiarising children and young people with key aspects of the UAE’s maritime heritage while highlighting the skills and values associated with traditional life at sea.
The festival also included educational and awareness workshops that introduced visitors to the services provided by the Municipality and its role within the community. Additional sessions covered the Blue Flag Award, the Green Flag Award, road safety and first aid, helping to raise public awareness and encourage positive behaviour in public spaces and beach facilities.
As part of the interactive and creative programme, visitors participated in traditional handicraft workshops, as well as marine-themed art and painting activities. These workshops provided children with an opportunity to express their connection to the sea and Emirati heritage through innovative artistic experiences that contributed to the festival’s vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
The festival also featured specialised workshops focusing on safety and environmental awareness, including a workshop on the care of marine animals and marine life. These activities aimed to promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility while increasing children’s awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment and preserving its ecosystems.
The festival was organised as part of the Municipality’s commitment to strengthening community engagement and delivering high-quality initiatives and events that enrich visitor experiences. It provided an educational, recreational and awareness-focused environment that combined learning with enjoyment while highlighting traditional maritime professions and the lives of past generations associated with pearl diving, fishing and the role of the captain.
The festival was organised in collaboration with several entities and organisations, including Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Medeor Hospital, Starbucks Café, the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, the Family Development Foundation, the Fishermen’s Association and Ayat Helmi Foundation. Their participation reflected the importance of community partnerships in supporting meaningful initiatives and enhancing quality of life in Abu Dhabi.
The festival concluded with positive engagement from visitors and participants, who praised the diversity of the workshops and activities and commended Abu Dhabi City Municipality’s role in organising purposeful community events that reflect the spirit of Abu Dhabi, strengthen the community’s connection to its authentic heritage, and support the development of a generation that takes pride in its national identity while preserving its cultural and environmental legacy.